As preferred AV suppliers to Bristol Zoo, Sounds Commercial were delighted to be asked to partner the Zoo in the realisation of their vision to launch the Animatronic Big Bug Project.
The showcase piece for the launch was the projection of giant larger than life bugs onto the abutment of Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. We believe this is the first time a project of this nature has been undertaken on the Historic Bristol Landmark.
The images to be projected spanned nearly the entire width of the Leigh Woods abutment an area of 21m x 12m covering 260m². To achieve maximum visual impact we had to be precisely perpendicular to the abutment face. We considered various projection locations when looking to achieve this goal including projecting from the opposite bank across the Avon Gorge and also from the stanchion position at the top of the opposite abutment. However, when adding the British weather into the equation, we concluded that both positions would require weather tents built to protect the projection equipment, not to mention both being off axis and 200m away from the wall – so not ideal!
On further investigation we discovered there was a maintenance gantry hanging from the underside of the bridge that could be moved along the bridge. The bridge master Dave Anderson was so helpful in allowing us to use the gantry and positioned it for us exactly where we needed it; 28m from the abutment enabling us to fill the 21m wide projection surface using our conventional lenses. Using the gantry also meant that we had protection from the elements in the form of the overhead road bridge, though for peace of mind we did construct a weather housing with thermal jackets for the projectors to help reduce the risks from the relative humidity levels and from condensation forming inside the projectors. The gantry also provided security as it was locked and under 24 hour security camera surveillance.
This location did not come without it’s challenges! Loading the projectors onto the gantry took some careful lifting and lowering using pulleys, haul ropes and strong backs, not to mention a head for heights from the technical crew managing the install, with the gantry hanging an eye watering 76m above the River Avon below!
We gave significant thought to the brightness of the image being projected as it had to be bright enough to be seen 200m away from the opposite bank of the Avon Gorge. Given that the surface we were projecting onto was a water stained dark red brick, we had to bring significant lumens to the task. We also felt we should have a backup projector option, so decided to use two Panasonic DZ110 projectors each with 10,600 ANSI lumens doubled up to give us 21,200 ANSI lumens. They were lined up on top of each other just after sun set which was dark enough to see the two line up grids, then at 19:30 we were able to start the projection as it was suitably dark enough. The lighting under the bridge that shone onto the abutment also had to be turned off to help increase the contrast offered by the projection.
A vital element of the project was creating the video footage so our Studio team went along to Bristol Zoo to capture the footage. Filming on such a small scale with a range of bug sizes presented some challenges. The team had to use specialist macro lenses which allowed them to get up close and personal with the bugs! They also created a tank to film the ‘stars’ in by repurposing a water tank and lining the bottom with white diffusion. This allowed the bugs to be lit from below with an even bright light.
With the scales involved, the filming area was about the size of a playing card on the close ups! Trying to persuade a scorpion to cross such a small area was certainly tricky. But with some perseverance some amazing shots were captured. It was certainly much easier to place the slower moving stick insects into the filming area! The old industry adage says “never work with children or animals.” Whilst tricky we don’t think we agree – it was a fascinating project!
The Project was a resounding success! It was a huge honour to see our work projected onto such a prestigious land mark and an event that Sounds Commercial was very proud to be a part of.
A big thanks to everyone at Bristol Zoo and Clifton Suspension Bridge, this would not have been possible without all parties coming together to realise the vision – we can’t wait for the next challenge!
Please visit our caterpillar at the zoo as part of the Animatronic Big Bug Projection
Live events need to be nurtured and evolve, much like the life journey of a caterpillar. At Sounds Commercial we’ll support you every small step of the way as there’s nothing we love more than seeing your events emerge from a cocoon as a spectacular butterfly that visually delights.
Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge projection
